If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that feels like a warm hug from Nonna’s kitchen, look no further than this Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies Recipe. With its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle vanilla-almond flavor, these little beauties are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Perfectly piped into charming shapes and adorned with colorful sprinkles or a drizzle of chocolate, this recipe brings a festive flair to any occasion. Trust me, once you try this Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies Recipe, it’ll become a treasured classic in your cookie repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often yield the most wonderful results, and that’s absolutely true for this Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a critical role in delivering the right balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives your cookies structure without weighing them down.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and creates that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens gently while helping to create a light, tender crumb.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds a touch of moisture and richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to every bite.
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional): Offers a delicate nutty aroma that elevates the cookies beautifully.
- 2 tbsp milk: Ensures the dough is soft enough for easy piping without compromising texture.
- Colored sprinkles or chocolate for decorating: Adds festive charm and a pop of color or richness on top.
How to Make Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat the Oven
Begin by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. Organizing your space ensures a smooth baking experience and keeps the cookies from sticking or burning.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture lightens in color and becomes fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is essential for incorporating air, which will lend your cookies their light, tender texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in the egg along with the vanilla extract and almond extract if you’re using it. This combination brings that classic Italian flavor to life while keeping the dough moist and smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Flour and Form the Dough
Slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour into the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough starts to come together. If it feels too crumbly or dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach a consistency that’s soft yet holds its shape well for piping.
Step 5: Pipe Your Cookie Shapes
Transfer your dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip—this is where the magic happens! Pipe out your favorite shapes onto the prepared baking sheets. Rosettes, stars, or swirly ribbons all work beautifully to create visually stunning cookies.
Step 6: Decorate Before Baking
Sprinkle colored sugar or tiny sprinkles over your piped cookies now if you want them to set in place during baking, or keep them plain to add chocolate or sprinkles afterwards for a glossy finish.
Step 7: Bake Until Edges are Lightly Golden
Slide those beauties into the oven and bake for approximately 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for delicate edges that turn just golden, ensuring the center remains tender and buttery.
Step 8: Cool and Add Final Touches
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before any additional decorating like drizzling melted chocolate or extra sprinkles. This not only prevents smudging but also makes your presentation crisp and perfect.
How to Serve Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes such as colorful sprinkles or a drizzle of melted semi-sweet or white chocolate add delightful visual appeal and little bursts of extra sweetness. You can even experiment with finely chopped pistachios or crushed candied fruit for a fun twist.
Side Dishes
These spritz cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of strong espresso or a smooth cappuccino. If you want to broaden the offering, think about serving alongside fresh fruit slices or a creamy gelato for a dreamy Italian dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Pipe the cookies onto a beautiful tiered platter to wow guests at your next party, or arrange them in festive tins as thoughtful homemade gifts. Wrapping a batch in cellophane with a bright ribbon also turns these cookies into a heartfelt gesture anyone would treasure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and fully cooled, these cookies maintain their crisp yet tender quality nicely when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Placing parchment between layers prevents sticking and preserves their beautiful shapes.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked piped dough on the baking sheets for up to a month. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a minute or two to the baking time for freshly baked goodness.
Reheating
Spritz cookies are best enjoyed fresh but if you want a little warmth, pop them into a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. This gently refreshes their texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can substitute salted butter, but reduce or omit any extra salt in the recipe as the butter already adds saltiness. This keeps the flavor balanced without becoming too salty.
Is almond extract necessary?
Not at all! Almond extract is optional but highly recommended for its lovely nutty aroma that complements the vanilla. If you don’t have it, just skip it—the cookies will still be delicious.
What piping tip works best for these cookies?
A large star tip is ideal to create the classic ridged shapes that make spritz cookies so charming. If you don’t have one, a medium star tip can work, but expect smaller or slightly different textures.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added. Proper chilling isn’t required but if your kitchen is warm, setting the dough in the fridge briefly before piping can help maintain shape.
Can I decorate the cookies after baking?
Absolutely! Once cooled, decorate with melted chocolate, additional sprinkles, or even icing to customize these treats for any celebration or season.
Final Thoughts
Making this Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies Recipe is like bringing a little slice of Italy into your home—and with every buttery bite, you’ll feel that joy seep in. Whether it’s a holiday party, a simple afternoon tea, or a sweet way to brighten someone’s day, these cookies never fail to impress and delight. So go ahead, get piping, and treat yourself to this timeless, loving classic.
Print
Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for any occasion. These festive cookies are made by piping a soft dough into beautiful shapes, then baking until lightly golden. They can be decorated with colorful sprinkles or dipped in chocolate for an extra indulgent touch. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, they’re a classic Italian favorite that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 tbsp milk
Decorations
- Colored sprinkles or chocolate for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step incorporates air, resulting in tender cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully combined and smooth, ensuring the flavors blend evenly throughout the dough.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, add milk one tablespoon at a time to achieve a pipeable consistency.
- Pipe Cookie Shapes: Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe dough onto the prepared baking sheets in desired shapes such as rosettes or stars, spacing them slightly apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Decorate Before Baking: Optionally, decorate the piped dough with colored sprinkles to add festive color and texture before baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still tender.
- Cool and Decorate: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets before handling. Once cool, you can optionally dip them in melted chocolate or add additional sprinkles for extra decoration.
Notes
- If you don’t have a piping bag, a plastic sandwich bag with a corner snipped off can be used as a substitute.
- Almond extract is optional but adds a lovely subtle nutty flavor that complements the vanilla.
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the best dough texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
